Auto Insurance Claims: multi car accident - rear ended, emissions test, loose control

Question
You had answered a question for me before under the same subject on 8/10 and I just had a quick follow up question. The accident was on 8/2 and still nothing has happened. The insurance company of the last car who caused all the damage has had the police report (supplied by me to speed up the process) since 10/11 and still wont accept liability. They are still trying to pin it all on the first black car mentioned in the accident before i think. The Police report does state that the officer thinks it was that black car that started the accident in his opinion), but the officer also says that that car was in the right lane when it was in the left lane, so the report is wrong there, but it also states that the person who caused all the damage (the last car) did see the 2nd car loose control and stop. If me the 3rd car and the 4th car were able to stop in time and the 5th wasn't and she also saw it all happen, doesn't that say right there that she was not following at a safe speed and distance to stop in time. To be honest I just think they are stalling because they know they are at fault. What is the time frame for them to do anything or is there a time frame that i need to know about before i would have to get a lawyer involved. I didn't think it was necessary to do that but it looks like i might have to. No one has contacted me about medical costs, lost work time or anything like that, and my vehicle has still not been repaired because i don't have the money for the deductible or the rental car for the week i will be without it. Since i can't open my hood I also missed an oil change and i am worried about voiding my warranty and i also missed my emissions test date. I don't think it would take so long for them to do anything.  Thanks again for all your help and advice!

Answer
Hi Mike,

In most states, the insurance company has 30 days to investigate and either pay or deny the claim. In some cases they will send out a letter indicating that they are investigating and due to some circumstances it will take longer.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do in this situation. It is doubtful that you would be able to find a lawyer willing to get involved in this. The only thing I can recommend is that you file the claim with your own insurance company to get your vehicle repaired.

As far as your injury claim; until a company accepts liability for the accident, no will call to obtain any information. Even when they do, they will not pay individual medical bills. They will only make a 1 time lump sum settlement once all of your treatment is complete that will include medical bills, lost wages and pain & suffering, etc. That process could take several weeks to several months after liability is accepted.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh